Nestor Toro, Dynamic drizzles, 2021. Acrylic on canvas, 76.2 x 61 cm.
Abstract art: "the third golden age" ?
Abstract art is a wide and varied artistic current that has influenced painting, sculpture, photography, design and any other art form that does not objectively, or accurately, represent the real thing. Abstractionism was born in 1910, when the Russian painter Wassilj Kandinskij painted a watercolor that, currently preserved at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, is considered the first abstract work in art history. The masterpiece in question, known as the First Abstract Watercolor, appears as a series of patches of color, which express feelings of lightness and movement. From this moment on, Abstractionism became the preferred means of expression for many artists, through which it was possible to give free rein to the imagination, escaping the rigid conventions that until then had governed the art world. Unfortunately, many critics of our times, who relegate contemporary Abstractionism to a marginal phenomenon, recognize only two golden ages of this current: 1912-1925 and 1947-1970. Nevertheless, the contemporary art market is characterized by a great quality and quantity of abstract art, so much so that many museums and art centers have done their best to promote it. Therefore, is it possible that in the future the current era will be re-evaluated as the third golden age of Abstractionism?
Elisabeth Laplante, Dont' blame me, 2021. Oil / acrylics / pigments / ink on canvas, 81 x 100 cm.
Henk Broeke, Multicolor, 2021. Acrylic on canvas, 21 x 27 cm.
But on what does the current popularity of abstract art depend?
Several reasons underlie the contemporary resurgence of Abstractism:
1) abstract art, being temporally and thematically undefined, is emotionally and aesthetically malleable, i.e., open to multiple interpretations, that making it an "ever green" outside the mutability of fashions;
2) Abstractionism is much loved by contemporary collectors, as this current allows users to live an emotional experience unrelated to reality, marked by significance, uniqueness and completeness;
3) abstract art is perfectly linked to today's situation of crisis and uncertainty, because it represents the perfect tool to escape from an uncomfortable everyday life.
In conclusion, in spite of this great "revival" of Abstractionism, we cannot say that we are living in the "third golden age", since since the beginning of the 21st century art has been characterized by the pluralism of different artistic movements.
Nataliia Sydorova, Pink spots, 2021. Oil on canvas, 120 x 120 cm.
Manuela Karin Knaut, Off to something new, 2020. Acrylic/oil on canvas, 200 x 160 cm.
How to choose a quality abstract painting?
Abstract art is perfect to enrich any collection, thanks to its indefinite, timeless, versatile, colorful and polysemantic charm, extremely meaningful and emotional. When choosing an abstract painting, for example, it is absolutely recommended to prefer works characterized by a balanced, evocative and harmonious use of color, where complementary hues stand out, spread on the support through skillful brushstrokes. With regard to this last aspect, a good application of color on the surface can be recognized by its texture, its size, its layering and its impasto. Finally, what the work conveys to us is also significant for a possible purchase, in fact, a good abstract art should positively affect our mood, making us more optimistic, dynamic and creative.
3 Tips for decorating the home with abstract paintings
Emma Lapassouze, Draft of a new world, 2022. Acrylic on canvas, 70 x 100 cm.
1.The importance of color and brushstroke
Abstract paintings represent a "must" of today's decoration, since they are perfect, both in contemporary and in classical furnishing contexts, which tend to be revive thanks to their brightness, dynamism and chromatic energy. But are these the only capabilities of abstract works? No! In fact, it is good to underline how paintings made with neutral colors, or, through slow, sweet and delicate touches of the brush, are able to generate atmospheres more sober and calm, such as the work made by Emma Lapassouze, Draft of a new world, where soft and relaxing wavy lines triumph, which, probably aimed at reminding the sweet waves of the sea, or the high peaks of the mountains, are mainly tinged with earthy colors, pursuing the aim of calming the souls. Therefore, depending on the atmosphere you want to create in your abode, the answer lies in our rich collection of abstract art!
Rupert Cefai, Tellus mater III, 2021. Acrylic on canvas, 64 x 64 cm.
Rupert Cefai, Tellus mater I, 2021. Acrylic on canvas, 64 x 64 cm.
2.Mix (when possible)!
The importance of combinations can be accompanied by a healthy and nice creative flair, capable of combining styles, furniture, decorations, ornaments and objects that are very different from each other, in order to create a welcoming and stimulating environment, where abstract paintings emerge strongly in all their versatility, approaching even the most unthinkable works. Such adaptability is also due to the variety of degrees of abstraction of the aforementioned genre since totally abstract paintings fit most contexts, while synthetically "figurative" ones are perfect to accompany specific themes. Surely, in order to match an abstract work to a room already full of decorations, it may be important to take as a reference point the main decorative element of the room, respecting its prevailing chromatic shades. If the latter are red, a diptych painting could be an interesting and sought after solution, findable in the two works of Rupert Cefai, Tellus Mater I and Tellus Mater III. Instead, if you prefer to combine two works by various authors, remember that this requires more experience in the field of furniture, because you have to combine different styles.
Rrose Sélavy, Flower 18, 2021. Acrylic on canvas, 145 x 210 cm.
3. Abstract art and dark walls?
Did you know that works of abstract art are also perfect for decorating darker walls? That's right, the paintings of this current, especially if very colorful, bright and expressive, stand out perfectly on dark backgrounds, emerging as in a sort of frame. In any case, it is advisable that the works of art present chromatic harmony with the color of the wall in question, by reporting even some simple nuance. For example, if your living room has been painted black, it would be appropriate to brighten it up with vibrant colors, such as yellow, red or green, distinguished by some dark details. The perfect painting for the above example could be Flower 18 by Rrose Sélavy, which, dominated by teal, features ochre and black details. In conclusion, after taking note of all these little tips, it would be wise to try and put them into action by visiting our rich collection of abstract artworks!
Continue to discover abstract artworks by browsing through the collections: Black and White | Abstract art & Red | Abstract art
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
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